As the longest-running and one of the most influential gatherings of its kind in the dance music world, the Winter Music Conference (WMC) has been an essential platform for artists, industry professionals and fans to connect, collaborate and share ideas. Now in its 35th year, WMC 2025 promises to be a celebration of both the rich history of the conference and the future of the electronic music industry. The first wave of programming has just been announced and this year’s edition is shaping up to be an event that no music enthusiast or professional should miss.

Held from Wednesday, March 26 to Friday, March 28, 2025, at the Eden Roc Miami Beach Resort, WMC 2025 will feature a dynamic blend of educational panels, exclusive workshops, live performances and networking opportunities. The event will also offer the chance to participate in the inaugural EDMAs/IDMAs Hybrid Awards Show, celebrating the best of electronic dance music in a revolutionary format.

The first wave of programming has already introduced a lineup of groundbreaking artists who are not only headlining performances but also sharing their insights as speakers. Here are the influential figures who will take the stage to discuss the evolving world of electronic music, creative processes and their personal journeys:

LP Giobbi: The trailblazer in the world of house music will bring her infectious energy and invaluable expertise to the conference. With her unique fusion of piano-driven dance music and empowering messages, LP Giobbi has become an ambassador for female artists in the scene. Her session promises to offer an insightful look at both artistry and the importance of inclusivity in the music industry.

Shimza: Known for his Afro-Tech style, Shimza will bring his deeply rooted understanding of rhythm and culture to WMC 2025. As a top-tier DJ and producer, Shimza’s performances and discussions will offer attendees a chance to explore the intersection of global influences and contemporary dance music.

HAYLA: With her powerful voice and genre-blending style, HAYLA will enrich the conference by discussing how she fuses electronic elements with emotive vocals, creating a unique sound that resonates with fans around the world. The British singer-songwriter who released her debut album DUSK last year and is the voice of some of the biggest recent tracks including Where You Are and Shiver with John Summit won the EDM Awards 2024 Dance Song Of The Year for the former, as well as Vocalist Of The Year.

Aluna: Known for her ethereal vocals and innovative approach to electronic pop, Aluna made her solo debut in 2020 after selling out shows worldwide and achieving over one billion streams with her other half in the duo AlunaGeorge. She has broken boundaries between culture, race, gender and genre and will offer rich insights on her process. 

Sydney Blu: A veteran DJ and producer, Sydney Blu founded her own label, Blu Music, dedicated to house and techno tunes that resonate on the dancefloor. She has released tracks with some of the most renowned imprints including Adam Beyer's Drumcode, Hot Since 82's Knee Deep in Sound, Elrow and Katermukke. She was the first female producer to land a top 10 hit on Beatport with Give It Up For Me on Mau5trap Recordings, and will speak on her wide-ranging experience at the conference. 

In addition to the musical acts, WMC 2025 will bring together dozens of industry leaders who will engage in discussions and panels about the challenges and opportunities currently shaping the dance music world. These leaders represent top-tier companies spanning management, labels, publishing, streaming and more.

Among the key figures speaking at WMC 2025 is David Waxman, president of Ultra Records. Waxman’s extensive experience at the helm of one of the world’s most influential dance music labels will provide attendees with an insider’s look into the intricacies of managing major releases, navigating artist-label relationships and adapting to changing trends in music consumption. His talk will be particularly relevant given WMC has gone hand-in-hand with Ultra Music Festival for decades.

Cristiana Votta, known for her work managing one of house music’s biggest stars, Black Coffee, will share her insights into the complexities of artist management in today’s fast-paced, digital-first environment.

Other notable leaders in the industry include Chris Johnson, head of A&R at SoundCloud, who will provide insight into the evolving role of streaming platforms in artist discovery, and Taryn Haight, VP of strategy for electronic music at Wasserman, who will discuss the importance of live events and the evolving role of artist representation.

The full list of industry leaders also includes key figures from Defected Records, Dim Mak Records, Dirtybird, Billboard, DJ Mag, Red Light Management and Proximity, among others. Their contributions will ensure that WMC 2025 offers attendees a comprehensive understanding of the current landscape and what the future holds.

WMC 2025 continues its commitment to education with an extensive program of panels, workshops and keynote sessions. These panels will tackle a wide array of topics, from cutting-edge music technology to artist development and the future of live events.

One of the most anticipated sessions will be a workshop led by Will Darling, the founder of EDM Tips. As a GRAMMY-shortlisted producer and engineer, Darling will share his techniques on how aspiring producers can maximize their productivity and creativity in the studio. His session, titled 'Workflow Techniques to Become a Music-Making Machine' will be a must-attend for anyone looking to elevate their music production skills.

Other educational panels will feature prominent moderators and industry experts including Megan Venzin of DJ Mag, Danny Klein of SPIN Magazine,and Chuck Fishman of Soul Clap Records. These sessions will dive into topics such as the intersection of music and technology, the changing landscape of live performance and the impact of streaming platforms on artist revenue.

Additionally, WMC 2025 will host discussions on critical issues facing the industry, such as sustainability in music festivals, diversity and inclusion, and the evolution of fan engagement in the digital age. These panels will provide invaluable insights for professionals navigating the shifting landscape of electronic music, making WMC 2025 an essential educational experience for attendees interested in the intricacies behind records and live events.

In celebration of WMC’s 35th anniversary, the conference will introduce an exciting new format for the Electronic Dance Music Awards (EDMAs) and the International Dance Music Awards (IDMAs). For the first time, both award shows will be held in a hybrid format, combining in-person celebrations with virtual access for a global audience.

The EDMAs and IDMAs are two of the most prestigious awards in the electronic music industry, recognizing excellence in everything from tracks and albums to events and performances. The hybrid format will allow attendees from around the world to participate in the excitement, whether they are in Miami or tuning in remotely. This innovative approach aligns with the growing trend of digital-first events, providing a more inclusive and far-reaching experience for fans and industry professionals alike. The award show will recognize the most outstanding achievements in dance music, with categories spanning the wide spectrum. 

As the longest-running electronic music conference, WMC holds a unique place in the heart of the industry. For over three decades, the conference has served as a platform for knowledge exchange, networking and celebration, bringing together artists, industry leaders and fans to share in the evolution of dance music.

WMC 2025’s 35th anniversary edition promises to be more than just a celebration of the past – it will be a forward-looking event that sets the tone for the future of the electronic music industry. With a strong focus on education, innovation and collaboration, the conference offers something for everyone. WMC has formed the backbone for Miami Music Week, the biggest week in dance music in the the US which culminates with Ultra Music Festival. 

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this historic event. WMC 2025 access badges are available for purchase here.